Sql server replication advice

[piffdude]

I currently have a Sql server that does daily backups and these are saved off site. However I'm getting to the stage where I need realtime backup, I have the hardware and link for a redundant sql server to be sat in another location. I just need to find the software to provide the live replication. I don't really want to get clustered servers as this would cost too much.

I have been looking at some software called Double take by NSI. I have seen a live demonstration of it and it appears to do what I need. But my boss has asked the question is there anything cheaper? I've started to look at Veritas Replication Exec but am finding very limited information on its support for sql server and its features.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[lovethecoast]

Will the publish/subscribe system of SQL Server not suffice?

[piffdude]

Does the sql server replication provide the ability to failover (either manually or auto) if the main server dies?

[lovethecoast]

If you're using the Enterprise version, you can have an Active/Passive server cluster that will failover in the event of a failure on your "Active" server.

This has saved us a ton of times. Technically, our main DB "server" (which is actually a cluster) hasn't been down in over three years.

[piffdude]

I wasn't really wanting to get a cluster setup as it will cost a furtune. I have seen that 'double take' does failover and keeps a live replication, does anyone have any experience of this or maybe Veritas Replication Exec?

[aspdaddy]

The new mirror feature coming in SQL2005 might be just the thing for this.